US5382441A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of processing food utilizing infrared radiation
Assignee: General Mills Marketing Inc
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Filing: 1993-04-16
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Granted: 1995-01-17
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Expires: 2013-04-16
Abstract
Abstract The present invention includes a method of selectively heating, comprising the step of providing a source of radiation capable of delivering at least 60% of its power in a selected wavelength band, and exposing the food to the radiation for an amount of time sufficient to heat beneath a surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald R. Lentz
- 👤 Peter S. Pesheck
- 👤 George R. Anderson
- 👤 Jimmy DeMars
- 👤 Thomas R. Peck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:35
CPC Classifications
A; A21; A21D; A21D6/00; A21D6/003; A21B; A21B2/00; A21D8/00; A21D8/02; A21D8/06; A23; A23B; A23B40/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of selectively heating food, comprising: selecting a filtered source of radiation suitable for deep heating food, wherein at least 60% of the total power is delivered in a selected wavelength band capable of deep heating; and exposing the food to the radiation for a time sufficient to heat an interior of the food to a selected temperature.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of selectively heating food, comprising: selecting a filtered source of radiation suitable for deep heating food, wherein at least 60% of the total power is delivered in a selected wavelength band capable of deep heating; and exposing the food to the radiation for a time sufficient to heat an interior of the food to a selected temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a maximum of the selected wavelength band is about 1,300 nanometers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a minimum wavelength band is about 800 nanometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the food is dough and the dough is exposed to radiation to proof the dough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising the step of frying the dough after exposure to radiation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 and further comprising the step of exposing the food to unfiltered IR radiation.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of preparing a food product, comprising: precooking the food by means of exposure to filtered IR radiation, wherein the radiation is suitable for deep heating food, wherein at least 60% of the total power is delivered in a selected wavelength band capable of deep heating; applying oil to at least one outer surface of the precooked product; and exposing the food to unfiltered IR radiation for an amount of time sufficient to brown the food.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of preparing a food product, comprising: precooking the food by means of exposure to filtered IR radiation, wherein the radiation is suitable for deep heating food, wherein at least 60% of the total power is delivered in a selected wavelength band capable of deep heating; applying oil to at least one outer surface of the precooked product; and exposing the food to unfiltered IR radiation for an amount of time sufficient to brown the food.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of precooking an inner portion of a food product, comprising: exposing the food product to filtered IR radiation, at least 60% of the radiation having a wavelength below about 1,300 nanometers, for a time sufficient to heat the inner portion of the food product to a selected temperature, thereby precooking the inner portion of the food product.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of precooking an inner portion of a food product, comprising: exposing the food product to filtered IR radiation, at least 60% of the radiation having a wavelength below about 1,300 nanometers, for a time sufficient to heat the inner portion of the food product to a selected temperature, thereby precooking the inner portion of the food product.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the product being precooked is a dough product including a filling material.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
38 words
A method of proofing dough containing leavener, the method comprising: exposing the dough to IR radiation having a wavelength range below about 1,300 nanometers for an amount of time sufficient to activate the leavener, thereby proofing the dough.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
38 words
A method of proofing dough containing leavener, the method comprising: exposing the dough to IR radiation having a wavelength range below about 1,300 nanometers for an amount of time sufficient to activate the leavener, thereby proofing the dough.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 10 and further comprising the step of sealing the dough in a container for an amount of time sufficient for the dough to develop.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the IR radiation has a minimum wavelength of about 800 nanometers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature is selected to inhibit microbial growth.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-07-18 | 1999-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-16 | 2002-07-18 | 2003-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-16 | 2006-07-18 | 2007-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |